Obsidian

Weight is a decisive factor affecting the price of obsidian. The price of a tumbled stone around 2.5 cm across is usually $1-$5/piece.

Obsidian is considered a protection stone, that shields against negativity with truth-enhancing properties. It is said to bring clarity to the mind, drawing out mental stress and tension that sometimes leads to confusion. You can carry it with you to help ward off negative forces or keep the stone in your home, office, or anyplace you need protective energy.

Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass. Here are the qualities or varieties typically considered more desirable:

1.Color: The classic pure black obsidian is always highly appreciated for its deep, intense color.

2.Clarity & Luster: High-quality obsidian should have an excellent vitreous luster when polished, appearing shiny and smooth.

3.Size: A bigger piece, especially of the rarer varieties, is often more valuable.

4.Varieties: Certain types of obsidian are particularly prized. For example, Rainbow obsidian and Sheen obsidian each have unique properties making them desirable for specific purposes.

5.Workmanship: Whether it's shaped into an ornamental item, a cabochon, or used in jewelry, the craftsmanship will influence the value. Expert cutting and polishing can significantly enhance the natural beauty of the stone.

6.Lack of Imperfections: A flawless stone without visible cracks or chips is usually more prized.

As with all stones, individual preferences can strongly influence what is considered desirable.

Ancient civilizations used obsidian extensively in tool-making, as it can be cut into extremely sharp blades. Obsidian is also commonly used as a gemstone, or larger pieces may be carved as sculpture for decorative purposes.

Obsidian dates back to the stone age when it was used to carve spears and arrowheads. Ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations long held the belief that the stone held magical powers and would allow them to communicate with the spiritual realm. Mayan prophets used it to foretell the future. It was often used to carve amulets and decorate gravesites.

Obsidian is found in locations which have undergone rhyolitic eruptions. It can be found in Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Canada, Chile, Georgia, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Scotland, The Canary Islands, Turkey and the United States. Obsidian flows which may be hiked on are found within the calderas of Newberry Volcano and Medicine Lake Volcano in the Cascade Range of western North America, and at Inyo Craters east of the Sierra Nevada in California. Yellowstone National Park has a mountainside containing obsidian located between Mammoth Hot Springs and the Norris Geyser Basin, and deposits can be found in many other western U.S. states including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Obsidian can also be found in the eastern U.S. states of Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. There are only four major deposit areas in the central Mediterranean: Lipari, Pantelleria, Palmarola and Monte Arci. Ancient sources in the Aegean were Milos and Gyali. Acıgöl town and the Göllü Dağ volcano were the most important sources in central Anatolia, one of the more important source areas in the prehistoric Near East.